CrawDaddy Outdoors, a family-owned outdoor retail and adventure company with more than 20 years of experience serving northeast Iowa, is expanding to Central Iowa with a new location on Main Street in Ames.
Known for Iowa’s largest selection of kayaks as well as outdoor gear, apparel, rentals, guided experiences, and classes, CrawDaddy Outdoors has built its reputation on quality products and personal service. Owners Jamie and Renee Borglum say the expansion reflects their vision of serving more outdoor enthusiasts across Iowa.
“We’ve proudly built a reputation for having Iowa’s largest selection of kayaks, and now we’re bringing that same passion for the outdoors, quality gear, and personal service to more of our fellow adventurers,” said owner Jamie Borglum. “We looked at several communities for this expansion, and Ames stood out for its vibrant Main Street, strong small-business culture, and community support. It’s the right place for CrawDaddy Outdoors to thrive for another 20 years.”
The Ames location will open as a holiday popup in early November, with a full grand opening planned for spring 2026. Hiring for local staff will begin in early 2026.
Founded in Waverly, CrawDaddy Outdoors reflects the Borglums’ lifelong love of adventure. Jamie, an Eagle Scout with deep ties to outdoor education and guiding, and Renee, a science teacher who leads wilderness trips for students, share a passion for helping people experience the outdoors with confidence and joy.
“CrawDaddy Outdoors is about more than selling quality gear and providing fun trips,” Jamie added. “It’s about building and supporting a community of people who love the outdoors and who aspire to have new adventures.”
The addition of CrawDaddy Outdoors strengthens the downtown Ames business community and adds a new destination for residents and visitors alike.
About CrawDaddy Outdoors
CrawDaddy Outdoors is a family-owned outdoor gear retailer and adventure company founded in Waverly, Iowa. Offering a wide selection of outdoor gear, apparel, rentals, and guided trips, the company is dedicated to helping people of all ages discover adventure in the outdoors. They can be found online at https://crawdaddyoutdoors.com
